The Reds have been ravaged by calf injuries leading into the game with Dodd, Brazilian Cassio and midfielder Fabian Barbiero joining Kristian Sarkies on the sidelines with lower leg complaints.

Dodd will miss his first A-League match through injury since making his debut for United in their opening A-League match in 2005.

The attacking midfielder has only failed to make an appearance in two of Adelaide's 98 matches in the A-League due to suspension and international duty.

Vice-Captain Lucas Pantelis will lead the home team out in Dodd's absence.

"It's very disappointing but there's not much you can do about it, you've just got to get on with it," Vidmar said on Dodd's unavailability.

"But we'll still put out our strongest team and I'm still very confident we can get the three points, because we're in a position already after four rounds that it's a must win."

The Reds sit eighth with a win and two losses from their three games while North Queensland hold up the bottom of the table without a point.

Already six points behind league leaders Gold Coast United, Vidmar sees three points at home against Fury as crucial if The Reds are to make the most of their early run of home matches.

"When you lose your captain that's not great, so in terms of all the dynamics that we're trying to get out of the team it's certainly not where we want to be, but the team that goes on the park tomorrow will service the team very well, I'm certain of that," Vidmar said.

On the upside for the Reds, central midfielder Paul Reid is set to make an earlier than expected return from an adductor injury, while striker Lloyd Owusu and lively Korean midfielder Inseob Shin showed encouraging signs when they were introduced against the Gold Coast and could both push for a starting spot.

Owusu's possible debut start upfront and the appearance of North Queensland's marquee signing, former Liverpool and England striker Robbie Fowler, sets up a mouth watering shootout between two teams who have struggled to find the back of the net this season.

The Reds' former Ghanaian international says he looks forward to having another chance to open his account for Adelaide.

"If selected to start I'm more than happy to do a job for the team, if not, I'll be on the bench and hopefully come on and change the game," Owusu said.

"Every striker wants to score as many goals as they can and don't get me wrong, the opportunities have got to come, we've just got to make sure we put them away...and hopefully on Friday night they'll be in the back of the net."

Other than if the two sides happen to meet at Hindmarsh Stadium in the finals series, tomorrow night will be the only chance for South Australian football followers to see Robbie Fowler LIVE, the rare opportunity to see the Liverpool and English Premier League legend.

"I think it's a great opportunity for our fans to come and have a look at a legend like Robbie Fowler," Vidmar added.

* Sorry.